Meta-analysis: melatonin for the treatment of primary sleep disorders

Melatonin shortens the time it takes to fall asleep, increases total sleep duration, and improves sleep quality. The effect is mild but remains even with longer-term use, and thanks to its low risk of side effects, it may be a suitable option for treating insomnia.

University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil

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Prolonged-release melatonin for insomnia

Melatonin helps improve sleep quality in people with insomnia aged 20–80, even with long-term use (6 to 12 months), without the body building tolerance to it or sleep problems occurring after discontinuation.

The Clinique Lyon-Lumière, Meyzieu, France

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Long-Term Melatonin Therapy for Adolescents and Young Adults with Chronic Sleep Onset Insomnia and Late Melatonin Onset

Long-term use of melatonin in children with chronic difficulties falling asleep appears to be completely safe.

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy Department, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands

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Evaluation of sleep, puberty and mental health in children with long-term melatonin treatment

Long-term melatonin use in children has no negative effect on sleep quality, mental health, or pubertal development compared to other children of the same age.

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy Department, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands

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The amplitude of endogenous melatonin production is not affected by melatonin treatment

Taking melatonin does not change the total amount of melatonin your body produces on its own.

Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, Asahikawa Medical College, Japan

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Impact of Low-Dose Melatonin Supplementation on Testosterone Levels

Low doses of melatonin in adult men were not associated with a decrease in testosterone levels.

Desai Sethi Urological Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami

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Effect of melatonin supplementation on sleep quality

Melatonin supplementation has positive effects on sleep quality in adults with respiratory diseases, metabolic disorders, and sleep disorders.

Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical, Tehran, Iran

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Melatonin ingestion after exhaustive late-evening exercise improves sleep quality and quantity

A single dose of melatonin after an intense evening workout improved sleep quality and duration in young athletes, reduced fatigue and muscle soreness, and improved some physical and cognitive performance measures the following morning.

High Institute of Sport and Physical Education, Manouba University, Manouba, Tunisia

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Medications for Sleep Schedule Adjustments in Athletes

Melatonin can help athletes manage their sleep schedule more effectively, improve sleep, and thereby support performance in competitions.

Greenville Health System–University of South Carolina Greenville School of Medicine, Greenville, South Carolina, USA

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Exercise-induced oxidative stress and melatonin supplementation

Melatonin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and may help protect athletes’ muscles from damage caused by intense training.

Faculty of Physical Culture and Health, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland

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Impact of Melatonin Supplementation on Sports Performance and Circulating Biomarkers

Melatonin may help elite athletes reduce inflammation, protect the liver and muscles from damage, and positively influence certain blood markers.

Department of Chemistry, Polytechnic Secondary Education High School, Soria, Spain

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The Effects of Melatonin Supplementation on Professional Football Player Performance

In professional football players, melatonin helps reduce inflammation and muscle damage after intense exertion. A direct effect on performance improvement has not yet been proven, but due to its positive effects on recovery, it could be useful for athletes.

Health Science and Nutrition Research, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Granada, Spain

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Melatonin for the prevention and treatment of jet lag

Melatonin helps with overcoming jet lag.

UK Cochrane Centre, 9 Park Crescent, London, UK

Link to the study